Boys’ brains — particularly the frontal lobe responsible for planning and organization — tend to develop more slowly than girls’, which can show up as disorganization at school and home. That’s not an excuse, but it does mean boys often need more structure, not less.
Building organization habits
- Create a specific place for each item, and stick to it.
- Sit down at the same time each day to review schedules and responsibilities.
- Teach list-making, and let them cross items off as they go.
- Keep a visible, up-to-date calendar.
Getting reluctant readers reading
- Let them choose what they read, not just what you think they should read.
- Connect books to what they already love — sports, dinosaurs, space.
- Keep books in the car and make reading part of everyday routines, not just bedtime.
- Let them see you reading for enjoyment.